Alfa Laval MBUX 214

Alfa Laval MBUX 214 centrifuge is used for recovery of microorganisms and cell debris in high density fermentations.

Application

The solids discharging nozzle centrifuge type MBUX 214 is designed specially for separation of microorganisms from high density fermentation broths.

The centrifuge is used to separate, wash and concentrate microorganisms with normal particle size in the range 1 – 5 μm. The content of the suspended solids in the feed is normally in the range 2 – 7,5% DS.

Design features

With the patented Alfa Laval self regulating vortex nozzles the concentration of discharged solids phase can be kept at a high and even level irrespective of fluctuations in the feed flow or feed concentration. The centrifuge can thus be operated closer to the clogging point without increasing the risk of clogging. The disc inlet ensures a lenient acceleration of shear sensitive microorganisms.

The light and heavy phases are both discharged under pressure which prevents foaming and simplifies installation by eliminating pump systems and improves hygiene. Solids pockets in the bowl guide the solids to the concentrate tubes, preventing accumulation of firmly packed solids and making separation and CIP easier and more effective.

Frame hood and solids receptacles are jacketed for circulation of cooling water, which also reduce the noise level. Frame hood and solids receptables are fitted with spray nozzles for washing the outside of the bowl.

The Control Panel (optional) handles the control and supervision of the MBUX 214 centrifuge including a cleaning-in-place (CIP) mode.

Standard design

All liquid-wetted parts are made in high-grade stainless steel except the rubber gaskets (EPDM). The bearings are lubricated by an external lubrication circuit. The vertical driving device and bowl spindle is designed as an easily serviced unit. The entire assembly lifts out in one piece. The centrifuge is equipped with sensors for monitoring of bowl speed and vibration level. Standard motor 55/75/90 kW for frequency converter drive, or control torque motor 75/90 kW.

Operating principle

The feed containing the liquid and the solids is introduced to the rotating centrifuge bowl (fig 1) from the top via a stationary inlet pipe (1), and is accelerated in a distributor (2) with disc inlet before entering the disc stack (3). It is between the discs that the separation takes place.

The liquid phase moves through the disc stack towards the centre of the bowl, from where it is pumped out under pressure by means of a built-in paring disc (4). The heavy solids phase is moved outwards by centrifugal force to the solids pockets at the bowl periphery and from there through concentrate tubes (5) and internal vortex nozzles (6) into the paring tube chamber, where the concentrate is skimmed off by the paring tube (7) and discharged under pressure.

The bowl can be opened intermittently during production and/ or the cleaning cycle for ejections of solids while the machine continues to run at full speed. The pneumatically (8) controlled valve slide (9) under the bowl bottom opens the discharge valves (10) momentarily, permitting the ejections of solids.

Technical data

Utilities consumption

Technical specification

Shipping data

Dimensions